UK’s Sunak apologises for leaving D-Day event early for TV interview

After widespread criticism, prime minister says decision to skip ceremony in France was a ‘mistake’.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has apologised for leaving international D-Day commemorations in France early so he could do a television interview as part of his campaign for the United Kingdom’s election next month.

The leader of the ruling Conservative Party posted an apology on X on Friday after coming in for intense criticism from across the political spectrum for ducking out from the ceremony the previous day.

“After the conclusion of the British event in Normandy, I returned back to the UK. On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay in France longer – and I apologise,” he said.

World leaders including Sunak, United States President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macro, had gathered on Thursday in Normandy, northern France, to mark the 80th anniversary of the allied landings, a turning point in World War II.